The Week Ahead

Reports of an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu have caused public outrage. The Defence Headquarters denied the claims, saying there was no coup plan or related arrests. Is there a danger of a coup? What do such stories mean for Nigeria's economy? Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa plan to raise ₦50 billion and form a joint electricity market to boost power supply. How will this collabor...

At least 22 people have been killed since unrest began in Madagascar, culminating in the military seizing power after the president fled. The AU has suspended the country. Will this coup bring stability or worsen the country’s political crisis? Authorities in the Ivory Coast arrested 237 people during a banned protest a few weeks before the October 25 election. Opposition leaders were barred from...

Oba Ewuare II of Benin rejected the introduction of the Iyaloja title in Edo markets, insisting that the palace-recognised Iyeki remains the traditional market leader and that the Iyaloja concept is foreign to Benin culture. Could this reflect growing friction between tradition and modern political influence? The AfDB approved a $500 million loan to support Nigeria’s fiscal and power reforms, whil...

Ghana has signed a $256 million debt restructuring deal with the UK, while the IMF begins its fifth review of the country’s bailout, which could unlock more funds. Will this boost be enough to strengthen Ghana’s economic recovery? A gold mine collapse in Zamfara killed at least 13 miners, with officials blaming heavy rains and unsafe illegal mining. Can stronger regulation truly stop unsafe mining...

Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.23% in the second quarter signaling cautious optimism as the country navigates structural reforms. Can this growth be sustained in the coming quarters? The Central Bank of Nigeria has cut its benchmark interest rate to 27%, aiming to stimulate borrowing, investment, and overall economic activity. Will this rate cut strike the right balance between boosting growth and co...

Nigeria's government has announced a six-month suspension on the export of shea nuts in a bid to encourage local value addition and stimulate domestic processing. How will this ban reshape the balance between exporters and local processors in the short term? The recent increase in the price of compressed natural gas is straining households and transport operators across Nigeria. Once seen as...

SBM Intelligence's annual report on kidnapping in Nigeria shows that while the number of victims is down almost 50% from 2024, the amounts paid as ransoms have more than doubled. Are kidnappers becoming more efficient? Nigeria and Brazil have signed an air service agreement to enable direct flights and boost economic cooperation. How can both countries ensure this partnership delivers lasting...

Nigeria’s national security adviser has announced the arrest of two insurgent leaders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman of Ansaru and Mahmud al-Nigeri of the Mahmuda group. In a separate development, the Nigerian Army has approved a major redeployment of senior officers to boost the fight against insurgency. Could these moves signal a turning point in Nigeria’s security strategy?  The US has approved a sale...

Nigeria’s non-oil exports rose 19.6% to $3.23 billion in H1 2025 from $2.7 billion a year earlier. Export volumes reached 4.04 million metric tons, with cocoa products making up 35% of the value. Could this momentum signal a lasting shift in Nigeria’s economic structure? Vice President Kashim Shettima announced that President Bola Tinubu has directed the planting of 100 million oil palm trees nati...

Tensions are rising as Ghana has reportedly asked undocumented Nigerians to leave the country. Authorities cite immigration violations and overstays, triggering concern among affected communities. Nigeria’s government is engaging diplomatically to resolve the issue. Could this strain Ghana-Nigeria relations or lead to a wider regional fallout? Ghana’s central bank has slashed its interest rate by...

Fresh fighting has erupted in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, despite a recent peace deal. M23 rebels clashed with pro-government Wazalendo militias (NDC-Renové), capturing two villages. What steps can be taken to resolve the dispute and prevent further violence in North Kivu? In Lagos, the Bariga Local Council Development Area has renamed Charly Boy Bus Stop to Baddo Bus Stop, in honour...

Earlier in the week, SBM Intelligence published the Jollof Index, our quarterly report on food inflation in Nigeria and Ghana. The cost of cooking a pot of Jollof Rice has skyrocketed. In Ghana, it rose to GH₵420; in Nigeria, it's up 153% since 2023, now ₦27,528. How are people dealing with the rising cost of food in both countries? Ghana’s oil and gas sector is gaining momentum as Eni, Tullo...

Nigeria's former president, Muhammadu Buhari, died in London at the age of 82 after a long illness. We reflect on Buhari's leadership and his legacy. The US is deporting migrants, and wants African countries to take people from other countries. Some countries, including Nigeria, have pushed back. As a result, the US has placed visa restrictions on countries that did not cooperate with it...

There’s a fuel price battle happening in Nigeria. Dangote Refinery cut its petrol price to ₦820 per litre, pushing other marketers like MRS Oil and NNPC to drop their prices too. This means petrol prices now vary in different places. Is the current fuel price competition good news for Nigerians, or just a temporary fix in a broken system? Nigeria's Naira is no longer moving up and down with o...

Deadly protests happened in Kenya and Togo. In Kenya, 16 people were killed during demonstrations against the government. In Togo, seven people died during protests over economic problems. How can African governments keep peace during protests without using deadly force? President Bola Tinubu has signed four new tax laws. One significant change is that only the new Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) wi...

The DRC and Rwanda have signed a provisional peace deal to ease conflict in eastern DRC. At the same time, the DRC extended its cobalt export ban to manage oversupply and support prices. Can this peace deal help reduce conflict and support economic recovery in the DRC? Nigerian security forces have made progress in fighting insecurity—killing 6,260 terrorists, arresting over 14,000 criminals, and...

Gunmen killed scores of people in Yelwata, Benue State. The killings are causing mass displacement and threatening food security, especially since most victims are farmers. What steps should the government take to prevent further attacks and protect vulnerable farming communities in Benue State? China has announced that it will eliminate import taxes on goods from all 53 African countries with whi...

On our first story for today, Nigeria’s Debt Office raised ₦2.2 trillion from its ₦300 billion Sukuk offer, showing strong investor interest with a 735% oversubscription. At the same time, the Central Bank is lowering interest rates.  Meanwhile, a $5 billion oil-backed loan deal with Saudi Aramco has stalled due to falling oil prices and Nigeria’s low oil production.  What do these mean for Nigeri...

Today is Biafra Memorial Day, which for a lot of Igbo people is a day that remembers the brutality of Nigeria's civil war that ended 55 years ago. Earlier in the week, SBM Intel published a report on the impact of secessionist sit-at-home protests that have been affecting Southeast Nigeria since 2021. Our study found that the protest action has cost the region at least $4.8 billion in lost re...

France-Algeria relations have worsened following mutual diplomatic expulsions. At the same time, al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM claimed to have killed 200 soldiers in a major attack on a military base in northern Burkina Faso. What steps can be taken to restore diplomatic ties and improve regional security? Nigeria's Senate is considering a bill to create a single agency for managing assets recovere...

More than 52 million people in West and Central Africa are projected to face food insecurity during the June–August season, driven by conflict, climate shocks, and rising food inflation. The World Food Programme warns that nearly 3 million people could face emergency hunger. How can governments and multilaterals prepare for escalating food crises in fragile regions? Nigeria's Labour Party has...

This week, it was reported that the Trump administration plans to slash $555 million in funding for the African Development Bank’s main development fund as part of sweeping cuts to foreign aid. What does the future hold for the AfDB?  Renaissance Energy halted oil shipments through the Okordia-Rumuekpe pipeline in Rivers State due to a suspected sabotage-induced spill. What are the long-term impli...

Ghana has temporarily agreed with Gold Fields to continue mining while awaiting parliamentary approval. At the same time, Atlantic Lithium is pleading for tax relief amid falling global prices. Meanwhile, the country’s oil production continues to drop, with output declining for the fifth year. What steps can Ghana take to manage its natural resources better and attract sustainable investment?  In...

A leaked memo from the U.S. State Department indicates that the Trump administration is weighing reducing America's diplomatic presence in Africa as part of its broader effort to slash government spending. How could a smaller U.S. presence affect diplomatic ties and development efforts across Africa?  Nigeria has taken a significant step toward regional economic integration by submitting its...

France and Algeria have restored ties after months of tension over France’s support for Morocco’s Western Sahara plan. Meanwhile, Algeria banned Mali flights after shooting down a drone. Could Algeria’s renewed friendship with France worsen its relations with Sahel neighbours? At least 52 people were killed in recent attacks on six villages in Nigeria's Plateau State. In Kebbi State, 16 vigil...